For the last three years I have embarked on a Comics Odyssey, reading and writing reviews of comics towards an ambitious goal which I only attained on one of three attempts. This year, I still want to read more comics and write reviews, but I’m not setting a specific goal. I’ll just document them and number them. We’ll see how far I can go . . . . . . .
#361 - #363 MILITARY COMICS #1 FACSIMILE EDITION by various (DC Comics, July 2024) This reprints the first issue of MILITARY COMICS from 1942, a neat little 64-page comics (10 cents!) that features the origin of Blackhawk as the cover story as well as eight other stories of characters now long forgotten. The comic is divided into an Army section and a Navy section.
The feature story spotlights a Polish air fighter whose plane is shot down in a battle with Nazi Captain Von Tepp and his Butcher Squadron.
He manages to land it near the family farm, whereupon Von Tepp attacks the house killing his brother and sister. That inspires the un-named fighter pilot to become Blackhawk and track down Von Tepp to gain his revenge. In the process, he assembles a full squad of his own as well as an island headquarters.
The other highlight this issue was the Death Patrol story written and drawn by Jack Cole (of Plastic Man fame), which combines humor and action in his distinctive art style. A bunch of escaped prisoners just happen to have fighter pilot skills, so they are pardoned and assigned to a “suicide squad” unit with the toughest assignments in the war.
There are some images throughout this reprint which reflect common prejudices and stereotypes of the time, enough for DC to print a short (but unnecessary disclaimer) on the inside of the cover page. Other features include debut stories for Loops & Banks (of the Red Dragon Squad), The Blue Tracer, Archie Atkins (Desert Scout), Shot & Shell, Yankee Eagle, Miss America, and Q-Boat. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
#364 MAD MAGAZINE FCBD SPECIAL EDITION 2024 by various (DC Comics, May 2024)
I wonder why this only features short funny comic parodies of DC characters (mostly Superman & Batman) and none of the other superheroes that Mad Magazine made fun of across their history. (Just kidding, we both know exactly why).
It was great to see some of my favorite Mad creators again in these still-funny articles from 1966 through 2020: Sergio Aragones, Antonio Prohias (Spy Vs. Spy), and Don Martin. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#365 - #369 IMMORTAL THOR #1 - #5 by Al Ewing and (Marvel, October 2023 - February 2024) Synopsis:
The Mighty Thor has gone by many names over the millenia. In Norse myths, they called him Thunderer. Vuer has he been named, and Hloriddi. He is known as the keeper of Mjolnir, hero of ancient tales. But this day, what Thor is most of all, is All-Father and the King of Asgard. He is worthy, and he is triumphant. But with greater power than ever before there inevitably also comes greater threats than ever before…
If Asgardians are the gods to mere mortals, who are the gods to the Asgardians? If Thor is God of the Storm, who is the God of the Superstorm? The Elder Gods – ancient, primal forces sent by Thor’s own mother, Gaea, as part of a reckoning against both Asgard and Earth...but this is a Thor who can face down even the most impossible threats. This is the Immortal Thor.
Every new writer on Marvel's Thor puts a little different spin on the iconic character. Al Ewing's fresh take pays homage to some legendary contributors to past Thor sagas, particularly Walt Simonson and Jack Kirby/Stan Lee but puts his own stamp on the character.
Ewing's Thor is truly epic, decisive, calculated, benevolent and not all persistent godly seriousness but capable of a smile and a grin, even some godlike quips.
I especially appreciate the concept introduced here that even the "gods" have "gods" above them, and Utgard-Thor is a truly menacing and worthy foe.
I've often wondered who would come out on top in a showdown between Thor (God of Thunder) and Storm (mutant control of storms and weather). It almost got answered here, but really comes out as a draw. Realizing that he can't handle Utgard-Thor alone, Thor enlists some familiar allies and forms the Thor Corps: Storm, Beta Ray Bill, Jane Foster and Loki. Loki takes on a female form here, and while still not to be trusted, seems to have a handle on the situation and does her best to assist Thor. I also like that Ewing spotlighted Odin's statement about who deserves to hold the hammer of Thor, and that makes this even more interesting.
A nice start to the new series. I'm eager to read more. FOUR STARS.
#370 THE WITCHER: CORVO BIANCO #2D of 5 by Bartosz Sztybor and Corrado Mastantuono. Variant cover by Jorge Molina (Dark Horse, June 2024) So far, most of the admittedly few comics adaptations of The Witcher Netflix series have been true to the vibe of that show, but fall a bit short of delivering the same entertainment value. However, this could be the Witcher mini-series that clicks the most with me. I’m really enjoying this - - it feels like a script for the show.
Geralt the Witcher has been gifted a vineyard by a grateful queen after it became property of the kingdom following the passing away of its owner. Geralt has taken to wine-making (but yet to produce something tasteful) and seems content and happy in his new role (retirement, perhaps?) However, a competing claim arises for the vineyard from a distant relative who has evidence to back it up. He’s also brought along his personal brand of mercenaries to help persuade his cause.
A bargain is struck, provided Geralt can complete a mission to capture an alleged pirate and intercept the prison caravan he is traveling in. Meanwhile back at the vineyard, a visiting Jennifer may be facing her own menace.
I like where the story is going, and there is action, drama and humor. The art is exceptional, especially during a long a chase sequence and battle. FOUR STARS.
#371 DESTRO #1 by Dan Watters and Andrei Bressan (Image/Skybound, June 2024) Synopsis:
The next chapter of The Cobra Threat threat begins here! James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers... for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro's ambitions grow, the "Crimson Twins" Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander realizes his current ally could be his future greatest enemy. Acclaimed writer Dan Watters and artist Andrei Bressan change the balance of power in the Energon Universe forever.
There’s an awful lot going on here in this solid debut issue that covers a lot of ground in the new G.I. Joe/Transformers/Energon Universe. It shines a spotlight on Laird Destro, a villain that you just can’t seem to get enough of. Watter’s portrayal of him and Bressan’s illustrations are fascinating.
On the surface Destro comes off as a conniving person mostly interested in business opportunities, which is why Cobra Commander wants to partner with him and doesn’t consider him a threat. But underneath, Destro is part of a legendary family of conquerors who don’t answer to anyone else, as events in this chock-full of characters and info story reveals. This could be a pretty good series. FOUR STARS.
#372 BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN #1 by Joe Casey and Paul Fry (Image Comics, May 2024) The back cover illustration and promo makes these seem like a revival of an Image team book from their start-up days 30 years ago. That’s just one curiosity that prompted me to pick this up and find out more. Also, the team on the back cover does not resemble in any way the team on the front cover. Even though this seems like a book about seven superheroes, the front cover only shows six members while the back cover features eight characters. Huh?
You’ll need to read the text piece in the back by Joe Casey to get a true feel for what’s going on here. Casey wanted to pay tribute to those Image Comics of the 1990’s, which I remember as strong on art and weak on storylines. And, since for legal reasons he couldn’t revive YOUNGBLOOD (the very first Image team book) Casey created a brand new superhero team for both then and now. Also, he wants to blend that 1990’s feel with modern superhero team themes - - and at that I would say he has succeeded.
But BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN doesn’t remind me of YOUNGBLOOD (for which I am grateful and not disappointed). This has a feel like I remember from reading THE AUTHORITY and is the reason I will probably invest in more, at least Issue #2.
What caught my attention was two team members taking out Russian troops trying to invade a Ukrainian city in ruthless, fatalist fashion. Ripcord will remind you of Marvel’s Whiplash, except that his whips are barb wire and capable of severing limbs. Nightstriker reminds me of Iron Man. So, I really don’t get the old Image connection (and I’m okay with that). Plus, the other characters introduced, especially the otherworldly one near the end, don’t remind me of anybody.
The art is good, and the story has plenty of depth. I also like the interplay between mother (old team) and daughter (new team) that’s going on, as well as the tentative association of the team with the White House, who wants to pretend they aren’t part of the government. This title shows some promise, so we’ll see. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#373 SILICON BANDITS #2 by Jason Starr andnDalibornTalajic (Magma Comix, June 2024) Re-cap of Issue #1: The United States of 2049 is controlled by four trillionaires and separated into four quadrants. Kenjo Sati and Aurora Withers are a scientist couple who developed an advanced humanoid artificial intelligence that will revolutionize business, government and the economy. When their employer rewards them by firing them and replacing them with the a.i. that they created, Kenjo anticipated this and had been formulating a back-up plan: steal the surplus of gallium from their former employer, a substance critical to the manufacture of a.i. components.
Their plan involves utilizing some a.i. models that they illegally produced and stored while still employed. In my Five-Star review of Issue #1 I noted that the debut was dialogue-heavy but provided much to appreciate. I expected it to move forward into a more action-oriented second issue.
That it does as the heist occurs in Issue #2. Complicating things is the presence of an old Army buddy of Kenjo’s, who saved his life during the war and now wants his reward because he’s heavily in debt to a criminal gang. When they lack the money to pay him, he learns of their possession of illegal androids and threatens to contact the police unless they pay up.
A solution is offered that allows him a one-third sale of the profits from the heist.
Kenjo has a solid plan which he covers in detail as he briefs all of his accomplices. But, still things could go wrong, right? What, you think I’m going to tell you and spoil it? I’m really into this story, and very interested in the turns it took in Issue #2. This is still a definite FIVE STAR read for me.
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